A Rose For The Billionaire: Betting On You Series: Book Six

by Jeannette Winters

  Instantly the video stopped, and Mr. Handa picked up a document in front of him. “Mrs. LaPrade. You have seventy-two hours to vacate the residence with your clothing and jewelry. Any items removed that are not on this list, will be considered theft, and you will be arrested. Do you understand?”

  Doug couldn’t hold back the grin as he watched her shocked expression. “He couldn’t. He wouldn’t. I mean, I gave him the best years of my life.”

  Doug burst out laughing. “Yeah, all two years.”

  She shot him a look filled with anger. “Who the hell are you, and why are you still here? Were you and Earl involved? Lovers?”

  Doug became very serious and replied, “My relationship with Earl is not and never has been any of your business. Now if you don’t mind, I believe he requested you get your fake ass out of this office. Mr. Handa and I have business we need to finish.”

  He’d never spoken to a lady in such a manner before; then again, Candi was no lady. She got up and stomped to the door. Before she slammed the door shut behind her, she said, “You’ll be hearing from my lawyer.”

  Once the room was quiet again, Mr. Handa said, “Mr. Atwood, your father has a message for you as well.”

  It was the first time anyone besides his mother had referred to Earl as his father. Since she passed years ago, it sounded foreign now. He nodded as he prepared himself for God-knows-what would be said. Doug could tell by Mr. Handa’s relaxed demeanor that he and Earl had been close. For all he knew, his ass was going to be kicked out as well. If so, let it be. I don’t expect or want anything.

  As the video message started again, Earl said, “I guess it’s just us now, son. I know I’ve never called you that before. I could say I’m sorry, but it’s too late for that now. Truth is, I wouldn’t know where to even begin with my list of regrets. I’m a hard man, but you’ve probably figured that out for yourself. I’ve made a lot of enemies while building my business. It comes with the territory of being an asshole. You probably thought it odd at the time, but I invited you to my wedding for a reason. I needed you to meet some of my adversaries. You see, son, I learned early to keep your enemies close. Unless my death certificate says natural causes, I have a request. Find out what really happened to me. If anyone can discover the truth, it’s you.”

  Mr. Handa paused the tape again and handed him a copy of the death certificate. “As you can see, it says cause unknown. The police are suspicious but have no leads. I’ve obtained a copy of their report, which is included in this folder. Now we can continue.” He restarted the video.

  “Doug, I know you’ve never come to my home. I don’t think we’ve even spoken about what I do, but I’m leaving my business to you. Robert Handa will oversee the transfer of ownership. Also, all my properties and possessions are yours. All I ask is you don’t make the same mistakes I have. Use what I’ve built for something good. Find someone worthy to share it with you. And whatever you do, don’t let the past hold you back from the true potential of your future. You might not realize it, but I’ve followed your career and life closely. You’re a better man than I ever could’ve been. Your mother must’ve been proud of you, and so am I.”

  What the fuck?

  The video ended and Robert shut off the TV. Doug was stunned. It was his father and his words, yet they didn’t seem real to him. Why wait till you’re dead to tell me?

  “Mr. Atwood, I would like to inform you the video you watched is legal and binding. Mrs. LaPrade gets only the items mentioned. Everything else is yours. I have printed out a list of properties for you as well as back accounts, both business and personal, and all other assets.” He handed a second folder to Doug.

  Taking the file, he opened it slowly. There were sheets of paper listing more locations than he ever imagined one man could own. Then it went on to the businesses and once again, his father owned a shitload of companies. Then the assets. Jets. Boats. Shit. Who the hell was this man? Then he started with the finance sheets with bank accounts. The first one listed over ten billion dollars. Billion. He shut the folder and looked at Robert. “Is this a joke? Because I don’t find any of it funny.”

  “No, Mr. Atwood.”

  “Call me Doug.”

  “Doug, your father was a very rich and powerful man. Everything listed is yours.”

  He tossed the folder back on Handa’s desk. “I don’t want it.” It was out of his mouth without even needing to think about it. They had no relationship before, and taking this now didn’t feel right. Hell, I’m not a businessman. I don’t want to be putting on a suit and finding myself stuck in some stuffy office. Let someone else have it.

  Robert didn’t seem surprised at all by Doug’s reaction. “Doug, Earl wanted you to have it. We’d spoken several times since you were born about what his wishes were.”

  “Since I was born? How long have you known Earl . . . my father?”

  “Since childhood.”

  He knew they looked approximately the same age, yet his father never struck him as someone who’d have a friend that long. That would’ve required work, commitment, and respect. None of which he associated with Earl. Guess there is a lot I don’t know. What good does it do me to learn now? The opportunity for a father-son relationship is impossible, so what is the point?

  “Your father wasn’t prepared to raise you. Financially, yes, but in any other way, no. He had many problems that he didn’t want in your life. Although you might not see it now, Earl kept his distance all these years because he loved you.”

  He didn’t care what Handa thought was best for him. Doug knew what it was like growing up without a father around. His mother tried to do everything to fill the void, yet the truth was, no matter how she tried, there still was one. “I don’t want it. Any of it.”

  “Do you realize if you don’t accept this, then that lovely lady whom just stormed out of this office most likely will inherit it all?”

  Fuck. There is no way she’s getting it, even if I don’t want it. Can I sell the companies?

  “Is there any caveat stopping me from selling the companies? Maybe a board of directors or something that would need to be addressed first?”

  “No your father was CEO and liked to be in charge at all times.”

  That didn’t surprise him.

  “Doug, may I suggest you take some time to think about this before you make your final decision? If it truly is your wish to have no part of what your father wanted you to have, then I’ll make other arrangements.”

  Doug knew his gut reaction was not rational. If he were counseling one of his patients, he’d have told him the same damn thing Handa had just said. Think first. React later. That didn’t mean he was going to accept it. It only meant he’d take some time to think about it.

  He reached out and grabbed the file containing the medical records and police report. He remembered his father’s words from his wedding day when he’d told Doug he’d understand someday. Was that what he’d meant? Did his father know then that his life was in danger? Were the police correct thinking there were suspicious circumstances surrounding his death? Had he been murdered?

  Doug got up from his seat and said, “I’ll be in contact.”

  Robert reached out with a card. “This is my personal number. As with Earl, I’m here to support you anytime you need me, twenty-four/seven.”

  He stopped and said, “You wouldn’t happen to have a guest list of who was at Earl’s wedding reception, would you?”

  Robert looked at him, puzzled. “Is it of some importance?”

  Doug shrugged. “I don’t know yet. Since you want to help so badly, then find one and email it to me.”

  Robert nodded as Doug was leaving the office. “Doug, your private jet is at the airport, fueled and ready to take you wherever you need to go. That is unless you’d rather fly commercial. The pilot’s information is on the card as well.”

  Doug slipped the card into his pocket as he headed for the elevator. Candi’s overpowering perfume still hung in the air. If
it were any other person, he’d have felt bad. Candi, on the other hand, got off easy if what his father had said was true. I believe it is. The only highlight of the meeting was seeing her expression as his father castigated her on the video. It was rough and pleasant to watch at the same time. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his inheritance, yet he knew it’d be a cold day in hell before Candi got her greedy hands on it.

  He held the file Handa had given him tightly in his grip. If there was foul play, Candi was at the top of his list for persons with motive. He hadn’t been looking forward to going to a wedding, but Beckett was just the man he needed now to do some serious digging. He had connections that might be questionable, but they achieved answers, and that was currently all that mattered.

  For now, he’d do the one thing he felt comfortable committing to: searching for the truth. If your death wasn’t natural or accidental, I’ll find out and make sure someone pays.

  He exited the elevator when his cell phone rang. Perfect timing.

  “Beckett, I told you; I’ll be there.”

  “You need to make a stop first. Rose isn’t coming. She says she’s sick with the flu. I don’t buy it. I had Gunny stop by her apartment earlier, but she didn’t answer. I told him to break down the door. He refused. Something about not wanting to miss KJ’s wedding because he was in jail. I need you to go and find out what is going on.”

  “Maybe she’s with her boyfriend and wants to be left alone.”

  “Nope. I made damn sure that guy won’t come around her again.”

  “Should I ask what that means?”

  “Don’t worry, Doug. I didn’t do anything illegal.”

  “Or immoral?”

  “Let’s just say I had a chat with him, and he understands he is not the man for her.”

  “Beckett, she’s a grown-ass woman. You can’t control her life.”

  “Trust me, the guy was a pushover, cowering and backing away quickly. If he’d had any balls at all, he would’ve stood up to me.”

  This wasn’t the right time to ask Beckett for help.

  “I’m sure Rose is fine. Maybe she’s ticked her boyfriend isn’t going to the wedding.”

  “Upset over that asshole? Doubt it. I’ll text you her address. Stop by. If you see her and say she’s fine, then she better get her ass on a plane with you and get here for the wedding.”

  Doug didn’t know when he’d started taking orders from Beckett. Normally, he’d have told him where to go. What about his concern for KJ? This change of focus only made Doug think this had more to do with Beckett’s emotional state than anything else. One way or another, he’d get Rose on that jet and on the island, because Doug needed to see Beckett face to face. Only then would he be able to see what was really going on.

  If Rose was sick and needed someone there, he’d at least check on her.

  Who was he fooling? Part of him wanted to see her. He’d been attracted to her since the first time he’d seen her. Of course, he hadn’t known she was Beckett’s sister. She didn’t look like the rest of the family. They were all tall with dark hair and dark eyes. Rose was a fragile little thing with light brown hair like his own, and her eyes . . . They were so majestic they seemed to change color as he looked into them.

  “Fine. You’ll hear from me in a few hours.”

  He disconnected the call with Beckett and pulled the card out of his pocket. He dialed the number and said, “Get the plane ready, we’re taking off in one hour.”

  “Yes, sir. Destination?”

  “West Virginia.”

  I might as well take advantage of the perks of being Earl LaPrade’s son.

  Rose had heard the doorbell early in the morning. Naturally, she knew it had been Gunny. Ignoring someone bothered her tremendously. It wasn’t his fault she was avoiding the wedding, yet she still refused to answer it. If he’d seen her in person, he would’ve realized she wasn’t sick and would’ve reported that little lie to Beckett.

  That didn’t mean she was going to hide away in her apartment all day. Gunny had come and gone, and she’d texted Beckett letting him know she was feeling a bit better but staying in bed the rest of the day. That meant she should’ve been free and clear to vacation her way.

  Rose had showered and dressed in yoga pants and a jogging tank top. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d actually gone for a run. Today had been the perfect day for it. The sun was shining and the temperature, not too hot, was made even nicer with a refreshing breeze. She prided herself on staying fit. There was a time she would’ve run ten miles just for fun. Somehow working all the long hours had reduced her stamina because she could barely do five without wanting to collapse.

  Beads of sweat ran down her brow as she came around the last bend by her home. I really need to make this a habit again. I’m not even thirty, and I feel like I’m one hundred some days. When she finally arrived at her building, she looked at the steps leading to her door and opted to sit on the lush, grassy lawn instead.

  Her intention was to sit for a few minutes, catch her breath, and cool down, maybe even do a bit of stretching. Instead, she lay down on the grass, threw her right arm over her eyes to block out the sun, and didn’t move an inch.

  Everyone in her apartment building worked during the day, so she was startled when she heard someone clearing his throat close to her. Moving her eyes, she tried to focus, but all she could see was a large dark shadow as the sun was behind him. Rose didn’t know who it was, but she knew it wasn’t Gunny. This man was tall and even with the little she could see, muscular.

  No matter who it was, he was being extremely rude, standing over her like that. “Is there something you want?” she asked, yet her voice was far from warm and welcoming.

  “For one, protect yourself. Any creep could come off the street and attack you.”

  Rose sat up at his words. He was right, she’d left herself defenseless, yet this wasn’t the inner city. Your words are like Beckett’s, but you don’t sound like him. “This is a quiet neighborhood. A place where people walk their dogs and children play outside.”

  “And bad things don’t happen here? You really can’t be that naïve.”

  His warning might be coming from good intentions, but this guy was getting on her nerves. No one had the right to come up and question her like that. She may be naïve in some things, yet she’d seen plenty of ugly reality, working the ER. Last night wasn’t the first tragedy she’d encountered. Even here, kids liked drag racing, people still drank and drove, and only last month they had a young man overdose on pills. Maybe I’ve become too comfortable, and that’s a dangerous place to be.

  “Who are you and what are you doing here?”

  “Beckett sent me.”

  I should’ve known. Raising her hand to her brow to shut out as much sun as she could, she looked at him closer. Doug? She’d met him once before at Danielle and Beckett’s wedding. They talked and even danced a few times. He was a bit older than she was, much more on the dry side, yet she’d never forgotten how handsome he was.

  He extended a hand to her, and she gratefully accepted it. When he tugged on her, she practically flew into the air, never mind to a standing position. Handsome and strong. Oh, yes. I remember you. What she didn’t know was the reason he was here.

  “Why on earth would Beckett send you to see me?”

  Now seeing him clearly she could tell he wasn’t any more thrilled about it than she was. “Somehow your brother is under the impression you’re very sick. You don’t look ill to me.”

  Darn it. “Actually I’m feeling much better, thank you.”

  Doug stood with his arms crossed and stared down at her. His towering height was a bit intimidating. “Then I guess I’m here to pick you up to go to the wedding.”

  “No.” She knew that came out too quickly by the expression on his face.

  He arched his brow, then smiled. “So you’re sick?”

  Rose could see in his eyes that he wasn’t buying it. What to do wasn
’t clear. If she told him she lied to Beckett, he most likely would rat her out. Why wouldn’t he? He’s Beckett’s friend. What were her choices? Fess up to the truth? Or continue the charade and say it was a short-lived illness . . . but that would mean attending the wedding with Doug. This is what I get for thinking it was safe to leave the house. Damn.

  Forcing a smile, she said, “Was sick, now I’m better.”

  “Then get packing because we’ve got a wedding to attend.”

  “You’re going too? I didn’t know you were on the guest list.” She couldn’t remember all the names, but Rose would’ve remembered his.

  “A last-minute invite.”

  KJ had never mentioned him before. Rose had briefly seen Doug at the baby shower for Beckett and Danielle. Maybe they were friends through the Marine Corps? It was hard to trust whatever Doug said, because he was Beckett’s friend. For all Rose knew, Beckett was in charge and using Doug to get what he wanted.

  Right now she had two choices, stand her ground and deal with Beckett once Doug reported back or attend the wedding as she had originally planned. In, out, and back to West Virginia. Simple. She just needed to remind herself that Doug was here to ensure she was okay, nothing more. If he wanted to travel to the wedding together then so be it. Although, she did wonder if he was bringing a date. Rose wanted to ask, but she resisted. It’d only lead to questions about her lack of one. I don’t want to talk about Toby with Doug any more than I do with Beckett.

  This time she crossed her arms and looked up to him. Meeting him square in the eyes she said, “You’re too late. Gunny has already left with the seaplane.”

  Doug only grinned at her. “I’ve got my own transportation.”

  “You do remember that we’re going to a private island.”